SIT to probe Chennai building collapse

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) comprising experts in engineering and architecture to conduct a probe into the June 28 multi-storey building collapse in Chennai that claimed 61 lives. The government had earlier ordered a probe by a retired high court judge. In a statement, chief minister J Jayalalithaa said the SIT would be monitored by the Chennai police commissioner and headed by a joint commissioner. " There is a requirement of technical expertise to investigate into the building collapse. So the SIT is formed. Help will be taken from IIT, Anna University and other technical institutes," she said in a statement.

Six persons have been arrested so far in the case.

Although the building that collapsed had proper approval, Jayalalithaa had earlier said, "It appears the building did not adhere to the approved plan and it suffered from structural defects."

A couple of days ago, Jayalalithaa constituted a one member commission to probe the reasons behind the collapse of the under-construction building. "The commission, to be headed by retired judge of Madras

high court Justice R Regupathi, will go into all aspects and circumstances that led to this tragic incident and will recommend measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future," she had said.

The state government would take action based on the report of the inquiry commission.

A panel of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association had reported some major flaws in the building under construction including weak load bearing beams and use of sub-standard quality material.

Meanwhile, PMK leader S Ramadoss has demanded a CBI probe into the building tragedy.

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